Participants laud Newswatch at book launch

By Gbenga Oke
LAGOS — But for the pedigree of Newswatch magazine as a credible news medium, the death of Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole, wife of the Edo State Governor, Comrde Adams Oshiomhole, would have taken notable citizens away from the 25th anniversary celebration of the magazine, yesterday.

To mark the event, the Newswatch management had, among others, organised a presentation of a book: “Jogging in the Jungle: The Newswatch Story” in Lagos and some key stakeholders in the media industry and captains of industry were invited, with former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, as chairman.

As expected, most of the invitees graced the ceremony. But unexpectedly, a host of them were in a hurry to leave for a trip to Benin City, to commiserate with Oshiomhole.

Speaking on the ocaasion, Osoba commending the Newswatch Editors for their steadfastness in the last 25 years in Nigeria, said: “Newswatch magazine remains the best Nigerian magazine and its major impact in the industry remains balanced reporting, authenticity, non partial and accurate reporting.

“I must commend the Editors of the Newswatch magazine for not allowing the dream of taking this magazine to the next level die and we must urge them to remain steadfast in the act of reporting”.

In his speech, Chief Executive of Zinox Computers, Mr Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by former Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Prof. Ibidapo Obe, said: “Whenever I see the Newswatch on the stands, what gives me pleasure is the standard they have maintained up till now from inception.

In his own contribution, Group Managing Director of Global Fleet, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim also commended the magazine for being steadfast in the business of reporting.

“I have been hearing about the editors of Newswatch especially Dele Giwa since when I was writing my A Level and I am happy to be among them today,” he said.

Reviewing the book, Chief Felix Adenaike said the book went down memory lane and addressed a lot of issues ranging from military era under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, interviews with various military personalities, the life and times of one of Newswatch founders, Dele Giwa and how money was raised to build the company.

“The book is well written and can be recommended for the Nigerian citizens as it will help in bringing back old memory of what has happened in the Nigerian political history,” he recommended.